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Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chambers - Civic Centre. View directions

Contact: Anne Jenkins  Governance Team Leader

Media

Items
No. Item

1.

Preliminaries

       i.          To receive any apologies for absence.

      ii.          To receive any declarations of interest.

     iii.          To receive any announcements by the Mayor.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

       i.          To receive any apologies for absence

 

Apologies for absence were received from the following Councillors:  Majid Rahman, Graham Berry, Tracey Holyoake, Margaret Cornelious, John Guy and Malcolm Linton.

 

     ii.          To receive any declarations of interest

 

There were no declarations of interest.

 

    iii.          To receive any announcements by the Mayor.

 

Ron Jones

 

The Mayor referred to the sad news concerning the death of Ron Jones who passed away at 102 years. Ron was a war veteran and was known for selling badges during the poppy appeal.  The Mayor asked members to be upstanding for a minute’s silence.

 

The Leader added that Ron was an outstanding Newport citizen and was the first recipient of the Spirit of Newport award.  The Council joined in extending their sympathy to family and friends, saying that Ron had occupied a special place in the hearts of the residents of Newport and wider area.

 

Leader of the Council

 

On behalf of the Council, the Mayor congratulated the Leader of the Council on her elevation to the House of Lords following the former Prime Minister Theresa May’s Resignation Honours List.  The Leader was made a life peer for her outstanding contribution to education and local government.

 

This was not only an incredible achievement for Councillor Wilcox but for the City of Newport.

 

The Mayor added that he was sure all those present would agree that this was a proud moment for Newport City Council, Wales and beyond. 

 

All those present gave a round of applause for the Leader.

 

The Leader acknowledged the accolade and said that it was a great honour for  local government politicians to be valued in this way.  The Leader stated that she had loved the role and  that she would serve the Council in any way she could but sadly she would have to step down as Leader.  The Leader thanked the Councillors for the professional way in which they operated. 

 

They Mayor invited opposition Leaders to also pass on their messages to the Leader.

 

Councillor M Evans congratulated the Leader endorsing the Mayor’s comments and mentioned that being Leader of the Council was a difficult and challenging job as well as being WLGA Leader, especially in the current political climate and on behalf of the conservative group wished the Leader all the best.

 

Councillor M Whitcutt commented that as Deputy Leader and a ward colleague for almost 17 years that not only was it deserved but in a short time, the Leader had transformed the relationship between Welsh Government ,national government. and local government into a more cooperative relationship.  The Leader had been outstanding in her roles as Leader and ward member and her elevation to the House of Lords was well deserved.  It was also a positive recognition of the fact that the Leader wore education on her sleeve and cared about the public realm.

 

Councillor K Whitehead added that there had been joyous debates with the Leader and could only endorse what others had said and wished her all  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

2.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 165 KB

To Confirm the Minutes of the previous meeting.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of the Council meeting held on 23 July 2019 were approved as a true and accurate record save for one typing error pointed out by Councillor V Dudley.

 

Item 8 Questions to the Leader of the Council, page 12:  Under the Anti-Harassment Guide paragraph, a correction needs to be made to refer to the word Intimidation (and not Intimation).

 

3.

Appointments

To Consider and Proposed Appointments.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no appointments to announce at Council on this occasion.

4.

Police Issues (30 minutes)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Superintendent Mike Richards gave a brief update on activity across three policing sectors within Newport.

 

Some general updates, included Superintendent Mike Roberts welcoming 19 Community Safety Wardens to Newport East, many of those have started and were out and about on independent control.

 

On a similar theme, the police force was advertising for local constables, which meant that this financial year would see the recruitment of 62 new officers.  Finally there would also be a new intake of special constables joining the Police in October who would be patrolling the streets after Christmas.

 

There was a new inspector for Newport East, Martin Cawley, who would be addressing the issue of boy racers particularly around Spytty Retail Park.  Inspector Cawley had been overseeing a lot of enforcement activity and over two weekends in July and August over 300 speeding fines were handed out to drivers across Wales and beyond.

 

Tesco Stores in Spytty would be installing ANPR cameras which would restrict the amount of time that cars spent in the premises out of hours. 

 

In addition, there had been reports of drug dealing in Black Ash Park and Pont Faen, search warrants executed and patrols increased in those areas.  This was also taking place in St Julians and the Old Barn Estate where arrests been made, with close partnership work with Newport Live around Youth Service Provision and diversionary activities.  Newport Live was thanked for their support.

 

In relation to Alway and Ringland there had been a reduction in calls following diversionary work within those wards.  An investment was also made in a Mobile Police Station, where Play Station consoles had been installed for the youth in that area and there had been some positive results from this.  There was an increase in theft of motor vehicles and burning out of motor cycles within Ringland, which was being treated as a priority.

 

Issues within Newport West were being overseen by Inspector Griffiths.  In Maesglas, there were issues of anti-social behaviour and drug use.  Police patrols had been put in place and there had been several arrests for drug offences.  There will be a walkabout in this area. 

 

With regards to the Frances Drive area of Pill, there was positive feedback in reduction of anti-social behaviour over the summer which was good news.

 

There was a successful execution of a search warrant in Pill on 1 August along with a Multi-Agency Action Day planned for later in the month.

 

There was a three-day operation in Bettws recently, targeting anti-social issues, drug related issues and use of vehicles and an arrest was made for possession with intent to supply.

 

Finally, in relation to Newport Central, which was overseen by Inspector Nigel Lewis, St Pauls Walk, which continued to be a crime hot spot had been targeted by the Police.  The Superintendent had been updated by the neighbourhood sergeant that there had been a reduction in calls over the past four to six weeks.

 

Neighbourhood policing team  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

5.

Notice of Motion: #IPledge2Talk - Male Suicide Prevention Campaign

To receive the following motion for which the necessary notice has been provided:

 

This authority supports the #IPledge2Talk Male Suicide Prevention Campaign and will work to support positive mental health in the Newport communities in local schools, neighbourhoods and workplaces.

 

As a local authority, we acknowledge our crucial role in promoting awareness of this issue.

 

Encouraging mental well-being should be a priority across all the local authority’s areas of responsibility, including housing, community safety and planning.

 

The authority will champion mental health on an individual strategic basis and will appoint an elected member as its ‘mental health champion’ within the Council.

 

The motion is to be proposed by Councillor Debbie Wilcox and seconded by Councillor Mark Whitcutt.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council considered a motion for which the necessary notice had been provided.  The motion was moved by Councillor Debbie Wilcox and seconded by Councillor Mark Whitcutt.

 

‘This authority supports the #IPledge2Talk Male Suicide Prevention Campaign and will work to support positive mental health in the Newport communities in local schools, neighbourhoods and workplaces.

 

As a local authority, we acknowledge our crucial role in promoting awareness of this issue.

 

Encouraging mental well-being should be a priority across all the local authority’s areas of responsibility, including housing, community safety and planning.

 

The authority will champion mental health on an individual strategic basis and will appoint an elected member as its ‘mental health champion’ within the Council.’

 

In moving the Motion, the Leader stated that she had left yellow pledge cards to be distributed to all members after the Council meeting and which could be picked up through normal channels for members of staff.

 

Also , Cllr K Thomas was appointed to be a Mental Health Champion.

 

The Leader moved the motion and Cllr Whitcutt moved to second the motion.

 

Councillor G Giles fully supported this motion for families affected by suicide.  Providing appropriate care was crucial, in education in particular.   It was imperative to recognise early intervention to prevent occurrences happening.  All Welsh pupils had access to counselling, with support recently introduced to children in nursery to age five, which was unique.  The Educational Psychology Service promoted self-help and a number of initiatives were being trialled including the introduction of a mental health first aid trainer from October.  Ongoing training included applied suicide intervention skills along with significant work undertaken by the Gwent Action Plan.  There was increased support for staff and pupils.  Referrals were also being made and there was sadly a recognised increase in incidents, therefore Councillor Giles fully supported the motion.

 

A number of members spoke in favour of the motion and some shared personal experiences relevant to the debate.

 

The Mayor adjourned the meeting for a short break and reconvened the meeting after ten minutes.

 

Resolved

 

It was unanimously resolved to support the motion.

6.

Appointment of Interim Chief Executive/Head of Paid Service pdf icon PDF 97 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader presented the report, outlining that the current Chief Executive had given notice to leave in early October. Within the Council, the Chief Executive was the designated Head of Paid Service in line with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and discharged the relevant statutory responsibilities. Appointing an Interim Chief Executive would allow the continued discharge of these responsibilities and ensure appropriate strategic leadership.  Should there be an election during this time then the Interim Chief Executive would also fulfil the role of Returning Officer, therefore the Council was under legal obligation to appoint an Interim Chief Executive as soon as possible.

 

The report proposed the delegated power to appoint an Interim Chief Executive should be granted to a politically balanced appointment panel of seven members in accordance with standard procedures.  As this would be a fixed term appointment, there was no requirement to advertise the vacancy.  The WLGA had been tasked to provide suitably qualified candidates who could start work immediately.  The appointment would be for a period of six months with the discretion to extend for 12 months.

 

The report originally stated that the decision to extend to 12 months be taken by the Leader in consultation with the Head of Law and Regulation, Head of People and Business Change.  The Leader had since spoken with her colleague Councillor M Evans, Leader of the Opposition and was happy to amend the report to read that should there be a 12 month extension, the Leader, Deputy Leader and Leader of the Opposition take this decision jointly, in order to have a politically balanced panel.  The Leader therefore requested that the Chief Legal Officer present at Council note the changes.

 

Councillor M Evans, thanked the Leader for this and fully supported the report.

 

The report was seconded by Councillor M Whitcutt.

 

Resolved

 

It was unanimously resolved to note the report and delegate authority to an Appointments Committee to appoint an Interim Chief Executive/Head of Paid Service for six months, with an option to extend to 12 months. Delegated power to agree an extension beyond six months be granted to the Leader, Deputy Leader and Leader of the Opposition in consultation with the Heads of Law and Regulation and People and Business Change.

7.

Newport City Centre Market Arcade: Public Spaces Protection Order pdf icon PDF 124 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Licensing and Regulation presented the report, to inform Council of the result of the public consultations on the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Market Arcade in Newport City Centre and

 

to ask Council to consider the proposal that a Public Spaces Protection Order be made following a recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Licensing & Regulation to Council to make the Order.

 

Due to the anti-social behaviour experienced in the Arcade, it was timely for the Council to implement a PSPO to close the Arcade at night to the public. There was a public right of way, running through the Arcade and therefore the Arcade owners could not simply close the Arcade whenever they wished.  The Cabinet Member for Licensing and Regulation advised Council that this would be referred to as a ‘Gating Order’ for the Arcade.

 

Public consultation had taken place and there was general support for a Gating Order to allow the closure of the Arcade at night.  Approval was reserved for full Council, therefore the report asked for Council to make a Gating Order to close the Market Arcade to the public during 20:00 hours to 07:00 hours, seven days a week, following a recommendation to do so by Cabinet Member for Licensing and Regulation.

 

Councillor Fouweather gave support for the implementation of a Gating Order, to allow the local businesses to run freely without fear of anti-social Behaviour.

 

Councillor Cleverly fully supported the report.

 

The report was seconded by the Leader.

 

Resolved

 

That Council make a Public Spaces Protection Order for Market Arcade.

8.

Scrutiny Annual Report 2018/2019 pdf icon PDF 99 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Lacey presented the report outlining that the Scrutiny Committees were required by the constitution to submit an Annual Report each year to Council, to review how Scrutiny had operated in the last 12 months. 

 

It was difficult to measure the impact of Scrutiny using traditional performance measures, which counted the outputs from the Scrutiny Committees but did not measure the outcomes of their work, or show whether improvements had been made as a result.  The Annual Report was a more useful tool in reviewing the effectiveness of Scrutiny, providing an opportunity to reflect properly on how Scrutiny had operated in the last year, and to identify upcoming challenges against which future performance could be judged.

 

Councillor M Evans referred to the summary on page 44 of the Annual Report, outlining the major developments and achievements that year and suggested that there was room for improvement.  The page in question was not descriptive enough and provided no evidence of what was being done.  It was felt that there was a need to be more succinct and focus on what had been achieved.  Councillor M Evans therefore advised that he would support the report but felt there was room for improvement and that in future there should be a list of achievements included

 

The report was seconded by Councillor Al-Nuaimi.

 

Resolved

 

That Council unanimously agreed the content of the annual report as a basis for the work of the Scrutiny Committees in the coming year.

 

9.

Questions to Leader of the Council

To provide an opportunity for Councillors to ask questions to the Leader of the Council in accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders.

 

Process:

No more than 15 minutes will be allocated at the Council meeting for questions to the Leader of the Council.

 

The question must be addressed through the Mayor or the person presiding at the meeting and not directly to the person being questioned.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader gave the following announcements, before proceeding with questions:

 

The recent announcement regarding ORB Steelworks.  This was very sad news for workers and their family, it was frustrating when our ability to influence  such matters was limited.

 

The Council was to receive an employer recognition Gold Award from the Armed Forces.  This supported individuals transferring from Armed Forces and Special Reserves.

 

The British Transplant Games was an outstanding success.  Residents showed their support.  It was reiterated by the Leader that Newport was only the second city in Britain to be a Donor City and receive an Award.

 

The annual Food Festival would take place on 5 October.  The Council was grateful for the support of the businesses.  The highlights would include chef demonstrations and street entertainers and the Leader was looking forward to judging the Teenage Chef competition.

 

Leaders Questions

 

Orb Steelworks

Councillor M Evans referred to the announcement that hundreds of jobs were under threat at TATA Orb Factory which was disappointing news for the workforce, family and wider community and thoughts were with them at this difficult time.  Support was offered from AMs and MPs and a statement was given by Ken Skates, Wales Economy Minister who said that the Welsh Government would do everything it could to support individuals, the community and supply chain affected by the news.

 

Councillor M Evans did not recall anything being mentioned sooner by the Leader and asked what had the Council therefore done over the past few years and since the announcement to address their concerns.

 

The Leader agreed it was a blow for the city, however there was no prior warning from TATA steel about the decision or the challenges facing the business.  The Council would now be working with TATA and the Welsh Government to provide as much support as possible to those affected by the announcement.

 

In addition, Councillor M Evans asked the Leader to address what  the Council had done over the past few years.  The Council had an economic development department that would be expected to be involved in such matters ,in addition, could the Leader also be more specific on what assistance would be offered to the employees now and in the past.

 

The Leader advised that the list of measures would be clearly ascertained and a response would be provided for the opposition Leader.

 

Councillor K Whitehead referred to the appointment of an interim Chief Executive which was a highly paid appointment and asked if a job sharing arrangement could be agreed in times of austerity.

 

The Leader advised that a Chief Education officer post had been shared once between two authorities but did not consider that the sharing of a Chief Executive post would be practical at this current time as  the Council already had one of the lowest amount of staff in a senior position.

 

Councillor Carmel Townsend asked whether there would be a road safety strategy in place for Newport in view of the increasing traffic.

 

The Leader met  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.

Questions to Cabinet Members

To provide an opportunity to pose questions to Cabinet Members in line with Standing Orders.

 

Process:

No more than 10 minutes will be allocated at the Council meeting for questions to each Cabinet Member.

 

Members must submit their proposed questions in writing in advance in accordance with Standing Orders.  If members are unable to ask their question orally within the allocated time, remaining questions will be answered in writing.  The question and response will be appended to the minutes.

 

The question must be addressed through the Mayor or the person presiding at the meeting and not directly to the person being questioned.

 

Questions will be posed to Cabinet Members in the following order:

 

       i.          Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Assets and Member Development

      ii.          Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

     iii.          Cabinet Member for Social Services

    iv.          Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing

      v.          Cabinet Member for Community and Resources

    vi.          Cabinet Member for Streetscene

   vii.          Cabinet Member for Licensing and Regulation

  viii.          Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure

 

For information:  A digest of recent decision schedules issued by Cabinet, Cabinet Members and Minutes of recent meetings of Committees has been circulated electronically to all Members of the Council.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

                 i.          Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing

 

Councillor Ray Mogford asked the following question that had been submitted:

 

‘From the 1st April 2016 to 31st March 2019, how much money has been given to Newport Council from the Welsh Government as part of the Homelessness Prevention Grant - and - what has this money been spent on?’

 

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing responded:

 

‘The Council has been provided with funding under the Welsh Government’s Homeless Prevention Grant programme which was linked to the introduction of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, recognising the additional pressures and burdens placed upon all Local Authorities in delivering the requirements of the act.  The funding allocated and the scheme/services this was spent on is as follows:

 

2016/17 - £149,400

Staffing – NCC – Accommodation Officer roles – Working with the private rented sector

Homeless Prevention fund – NCC – Funding used to prevent homelessness and help to access alternative accommodation

Mediation Service – Llamau

 

2017/18 - £139,440

Homeless Prevention fund – NCC – Funding used to prevent homelessness and help to access alternative accommodation

Mediation Service – Llamau

Young Person’s Pathway Project – POBL Group – Staffing costs

Gwent Homeless Strategy Officer – Torfaen CBC – Funding across Gwent LA’s to employ an officer to undertake the review of homelessness in each area and to develop the Gwent Homeless Strategy

Civica Housing System – Civica UK – IT system

Night Shelter – Eden Gate

 

2018/19

Young Persons Shared Accommodation – Llamau – Staffing costs

Supported Lodgings Project – Llamau – Staffing and running costs

Night Shelter – Eden Gate

Intensive Outreach Service – Wallich

 

The funding is the awarded sum from the Homelessness Prevention Grant and does not include funding that the Council has applied for under separate cover for other interim schemes and initiatives.’

 

As a supplementary question, Councillor Mogford asked if a breakdown of the figures could be provided to councillors.

 

               ii.          Joint Question to the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills and City Services

 

Councillor Joan Watkins asked the following question that had been submitted:

 

‘Does the Cabinet Member for Education communicate with Gwent Police in respect of safe walking routes to and from Newport Schools.

 

The Cabinet Member for Education and Skills responded:

 

‘Safe Walking Routes to school is led, managed and mapped by City Services. Naturally where Service Areas and Cabinet Member portfolio’s cross (as in this circumstance) joint Cabinet Member briefings occur. This ensures that I am consistently informed of any issues and project work linked to safe routes and encouraging active travel. I will pass on to Cllr Jeavons to give you further details on the question you present.’

 

The Cabinet Member for City Services responded:

 

‘When assessing School Walking Routes, the Council has historically contacted the Police to establish any areas of concern through which the proposed route passes. The surveyor now utilises the Police.uk website, which holds a map based database of all Incidents recorded by street.

 

If the assessment identifies  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

11.

Questions to the Chairs of Committees

To provide an opportunity to pose questions to the Chairs of the Committees in line with Standing Orders.

 

Process:

No more than 10 minutes will be allocated at the Council meeting for questions to each Chair.

 

Members must submit their proposed questions in writing in advance in accordance with Standing Orders.  If members are unable to ask their question orally within the allocated time, remaining questions will be answered in writing.  The question and response will be appended to the minutes.

 

The question must be addressed through the Mayor or the person presiding at the meeting and not directly to the person being questioned.

 

Questions will be posed to Committee Chairs in the following order:

 

       i.          Scrutiny Committees

a.   Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee

b.   Performance Scrutiny Committee – People

c.    Performance Scrutiny Committee – Place and Corporate

d.   Performance Scrutiny Committee – Partnerships

      ii.          Planning Committee

     iii.          Licensing Committee

    iv.          Democratic Services Committee

 

For information:  A digest of recent decision schedules issued by Cabinet, Cabinet Members and Minutes of recent meetings of Committees has been circulated electronically to all Members of the Council.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no questions to the Chairs of Committees.

12.

Standards Committee Minutes

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Minutes would be agreed at a future meeting.

13.

Date of Next Meeting

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Tuesday 26 November at 5pm in the Council Chambers.